Srinagar, Feb 26, KDC: Apple growers from Anantnag district and adjoining areas have alleged that their payments remain pending with forwarding and commission agents at the Jablipora Fruit Mandi, even five months after the sale of their 2025 produce.
A delegation of orchardists while talking to Kashmir Dot Com said that their apple consignments were sold with assurances from the concerned agents that payments would be released within 15 days. However, they said the dues have not been cleared despite repeated follow-ups.
“We worked tirelessly in our orchards and supplied quality produce. We were promised timely payment, but even after five months, nothing has been credited to our accounts,” the growers said.
They alleged that some forwarding and commission agents, allotted FUDs at the mandi, are now avoiding calls and failing to respond to queries about the pending amounts.
The growers have appealed to the Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Jammu and Kashmir, to intervene and protect the interests of the farming community. They demanded strict action against the erring agents, including blacklisting them to prevent further exploitation.
Stating that horticulture is the backbone of the Kashmir’s economy, the orchardists warned that continued delay in payments would severely impact their ability to prepare for the next season. They said they may stage peaceful protests if their dues are not released at the earliest. (KDC)
